Sunshine Coast BMX riders head to national titles in Shepparton, with Gympie’s Cooloola club sending 32 competitors aged 4 to 55.
Riders from across BMX community are set to compete on the national stage next week, with Gympie’s Cooloola BMX Club sending one of its largest-ever teams to the 2026 UCI National BMX Championships.
The four-day event, held in Shepparton from 15–18 April, will bring together riders from across Australia to compete for national titles and valuable qualification points for the UCI World Championships, which will take place in Brisbane this July.
Strong team reflects growing sport
A total of 32 riders from Cooloola BMX Club will make the trip south, ranging in age from just four years old through to competitors in their 50s. The strong turnout highlights both the strength of the local program and the growing popularity of BMX racing across the Sunshine Coast.
Club President Kirstin McBride said the size and diversity of the team was a point of pride.
“To have 32 riders heading to nationals — from four-year-olds right through to riders in their 50s — is something we’re incredibly proud of,” she said.
“There’s a real buzz around the club at the moment, especially with the chance to qualify for world championships in Brisbane.”
Eyes on Brisbane world stage
The upcoming World Championships in Brisbane have provided extra motivation for riders of all ages, with the rare opportunity to qualify for a global event on home soil.
McBride said recent international success within the club has also inspired younger riders to aim high.
“The kids can see what’s possible — particularly after Archer’s result — and they’re all stepping up,” she said.
Cooloola rider Archer Zwoerner placed second overall at last year’s World Championships in Denmark at just eight years old, creating a wave of excitement and ambition within the club.
Spencer and Stoek from Cooloola Sunshine Coast BMX club
Pathway to future champions
With BMX now firmly established as an Olympic sport, and Brisbane set to host the 2032 Olympic Games, competitions like the national championships play an important role in developing the next generation of elite riders.
Regional clubs such as Cooloola are increasingly becoming key pathways for young athletes, helping nurture talent from grassroots through to international competition.
Community support behind the team
The team will complete final preparations this week, including a group training session and official send-off at Cooloola BMX Club in Gympie.
Backed by strong community support, the club continues to showcase the depth of talent emerging from the Sunshine Coast BMX scene and regional Queensland.
As the riders prepare to compete in Shepparton, all eyes will be on their performance, and the possibility of securing a place on the world stage later this year.
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